episode_0086

Cheonsan (天山).

When one mentions Cheonsan in the martial world, it does not refer to just one mountain. It signifies the vast and rugged mountain range known as the Tianshan Mountains (天山山脈) that stretches from Gansu (甘肅) to Xinjiang (新疆).

Among them, the place where Bang So-un and Jang Il fearlessly headed to meet the Cheonsan Swordswoman (天山劍女) was the Cheonsan in Gansu.

A mountain at the beginning of the Tianshan Mountains, connected to Mount Qi Lian (祈蓮山).

It was the boundary between the Central Plains and the outskirts.

Hence, it was called the Central Plains’ Cheonsan.

In that Cheonsan, the renowned swordswoman of the martial world, Cheonsan Swordswoman, was residing.

In essence, it was like the symbolic figure of the Central Plains living on the edge of the Central Plains.

On the other hand.

The Cheonsan that spread towards Xinjiang was solely under the influence of the Ma Clan.

Even if it had declined significantly, the Ma Clan was still the Ma Clan.

A place untouched by the power of the orthodox sects.

That was why it was called the outskirts of Cheonsan by the Central Plains people.

Anyway.

In Gansu, where the Central Plains’ Cheonsan was located, there was also the Sikong Family.

It was not a coincidence that Bang So-un and Jang Il encountered Sikong Hye-mi on their way to Cheonsan.

***

The Sikong Family.

Although it was a family of three, they were not originally from the martial world.

When a martial artist and a martial artist marry, and both of their children become martial artists, naturally, they become a martial family.

Most small families were like this.

A modest family size.

However, even if the Sikong Family was of such a size, there was no problem with them holding a place in the region.

With only three top-notch martial artists, it was natural.

The head of the family, Cheongwol Sword Sikong Ok.

His wife, Nanhwachang Spear Mong Ungyo.

And their daughter, Lenghyul Sword Sikong Hye-ryeong.

Although their second daughter, Nacal Seonja Sikong Hye-mi, stayed in the same class, she was at a sufficient level to be a part of the region.

However.

There was one problem with the Sikong Family.

Their daughters were excessively ruthless.

To the point where they were nicknamed the Cold-blooded Sword and the Nacal Seonja.

Of course, if they only did that to the evil forces or demons, there would be no problem.

Since there were quite a few top-notch martial artists from the orthodox sects.

However, it was a problem for those who were not like that due to their ruthless nature.

As an orthodox sect member, it was a burdensome situation for the Sikong Family.

“It won’t do.”

Just a few days ago, Sikong Ok opened his mouth with a bitter taste, thinking about his second daughter, who had turned the opponent into a cripple during a drinking session.

“What are you talking about?”

His wife, Mong Ungyo, asked.

“We must quickly marry off Hye-mi.”

Sikong Hye-ryeong, the daughter, had to bring in a son-in-law to continue the family line, but there was no need for Sikong Hye-mi, the youngest daughter, to do so.

It meant that if there was a suitable place, she could be sent off without hesitation.

“…Hye-mi?”

Mong Ungyo made a puzzled expression.

There was one reason for it.

It seemed that there was no man who could handle the second daughter’s eccentric personality.

“Why? Is there a problem?”

“Of course, there is. If she causes trouble in her in-laws’ house with her personality…”

“It doesn’t matter.”

“What?”

“It’s just once. It can’t be helped.”

Sikong Ok said as if it was obvious.

Mong Ungyo shook her head in a daze.

“What will you do if she gets kicked out after causing trouble?”

“How dare anyone kick out the daughter of Sikong Ok? I will never allow it.”

“…”

Mong Ungyo knew.

That Sikong Ok was a man who did not compromise on family matters.

If the son who had his legs cut off a few days ago was not the son of a local influential figure, he would not have taken it so seriously.

He was even worrying about such matters because a serious incident had occurred.

“I understand. Do as you please. There should be at least one suitable groom.”

“Hmph, that’s right.”

Sikong Ok nodded and continued, “But where are the kids?”

“They are at Mount Qi Lian. It seems that a wanted Ma Clan member has appeared.”

“If the rumors are circulating, it’s probably too late.”

“They are the kind of kids who can handle that.”

“What, your initiative is impressive.”

Sagongok, who interpreted it as a compliment to his daughters.

“Well, tonight will be quiet for a change.”

“Would you like to have a drink under the moonlight?”

“Sounds good.”

“Yes, I’ll get ready.”

It was still a peaceful Sagongse.

***

Gamsuk Land was a perfect place for discreet activities.

It was spacious and sparsely populated.

Meaning that it was less likely to attract attention.

Ideal conditions for Bang So-un and Jang-il.

Gamsuk branch of the Geumryong Warlord.

Bang So-un and Jang-il were there now.

Each region had a branch, as befitting the top warriors of the martial world.

It was a good thing for them.

They could step foot on Gamsuk Land under the guise of official business.

As guards and escorts.

“The branch seems a bit shabby.”

Jang-il remarked, looking around.

“Haha, can’t compare it to Hangju’s main residence. The wealth itself is different.”

Bang So-un laughed.

As he said, the affluent central area of Gangnam and this remote region were incomparable.

“But it’s still not bad. Not many people come here.”

A sense of tranquility.

Meaning there was little need to be vigilant.

“Hehe, that’s true.”

Jang-il nodded.

He knew very well the purpose of this Gamsuk expedition.

“Oh, what about the branch manager?”

Jang-il suddenly asked.

“He just came to check a few things, so don’t worry about the branch manager and focus on your tasks.”

It was customary for the Geumryong Warlord’s branch leaders to visit the branches occasionally to inspect the situation.

So there was no reason to suspect anything.

“Then when we take action later…?”

“Haha, once you grasp the human’s blood, they won’t wake up until it’s released.”

With several members of the Jolhwa Clan, including Yeonsurin, they could easily draw blood from the weak branch manager and his guards without them noticing.

“As expected, Sir, you are thorough.”

Jang-il chuckled and gave a thumbs up.

Bang So-un also chuckled.

He had already confirmed the situation of Sagongse through Yeonsurin’s reconnaissance.

He had even investigated the routes for the night operation.

All that was left was to put the plan into action.

“Let’s wait patiently then.”

***

On a night with a full moon.

Sagongse was still peaceful.

The servants who had finished their work had already gone to bed, leaving only Sagongok and Mok Unggyo awake.

A table with alcohol was set in front of Sagongok, who was sitting on the main veranda.

“It’s a peaceful martial world.”

Sagongok muttered as he emptied a glass.

Indeed, with the orthodox faction in control, the martial world was more peaceful than before.

“Gamsuk must be peaceful.”

Mok Unggyo said as she refilled the empty glass.

With the defeat of the Jungmadai Warlord, the Samma faction had weakened, but they were working hard to regain strength in various regions.

However, there were no major movements in Gamsuk.

So what she said was not wrong.

“Haha, it’s important to be peaceful, no matter what.”

“I agree.”

“Come, let’s have a drink, my lady.”

Sagongok filled Mok Unggyo’s glass.

And so, they shared a drink in harmony.

Mok Unggyo spoke again.

“I hope he’s a man with a broad mind and patience.”

“Who are you talking about?”

“My daughter’s future husband.”

“Haha, I see. Of course, we should look for a man like that.”

Two people talking about their daughters’ futures.

They had no idea.

That an unwelcome guest was approaching.

***

An uninhabited forest.

Only the faint moonlight shone, and the surroundings were dark.

Four women dressed in night clothes ran through the forest.

But there were six of them.

Two men were being carried, so they were running.

The two men were freely groping the breasts of the women who carried them.

Suddenly.

“Stop.”

A man ordered.

The women immediately stopped their feet.

As their movements came to a halt, their faces became clear.

The two men were Bang So-woon and Jang Il.

The four women were Yeon Soo-rin, Lee Yeon, Ju Ok-young, and Im So-min.

The more there are, the higher the chance of being noticed.

That’s why they had brought only a necessary few elite warriors from the beginning of their journey to the Golden Dragon Battlefield.

“Let me give you the final instructions.”

Bang So-woon said.

“Yes, my lord.”

“Yes, master.”

The female attendants answered in a soft voice.

“Do not hesitate and kill them all within just one year left.”

A cold, calculated command.

But also a wise one.

Harsh?

That’s what foolish people would say.

After all, murder is essential for revenge to be fulfilled.

Leaving a grudge behind could spark the flames of the Golden Dragon Battlefield.

“Yes, my lord.”

“Yes, master.”

Of course, the obedient attendants followed without a single doubt.

“As for that woman, she is the daughter of the Hwanhwa Chang clan. Do not kill her, just subdue her.”

Bang So-woon smiled at Jang Il.

“And as for the rest, you can handle them.”

“Haha, I will take care of it swiftly and efficiently.”

Jang Il confidently patted his chest.

“Alright, let’s go then. Let’s open the ruthless prologue of revenge without mercy.”